Wednesday, February 14, 2007

The signature February birthstone is amethyst which is characterized by its many variations of purple. When amethyst is subjected to intense heat it changes color to a yellow colored amethyst referred to as burnt amethyst.

Amethyst is made up of numerous different varieties of quartz mineral. Amethyst comes from the Greek word amethystos which means sober. It is common belief that the name was made after the color of wine.

You are able to mine amethyst is South American countries that include Brazil, Uruguay, Bolivia, and Argentina. You are also able to excavate it in African countries such as Zambia, Argentina, and Namibia.

There are a few key locations you can find certain amethyst. In Guerrero, Mexico you can find dark deep purple amethysts, known to be one of the most precious in the world. Also in Vera Cruz, Mexico you can find pale crystallized amethysts that have developed in light colored rocks.

In Maraba, Brazil the gemstone is generally medium or pale colors. These amethysts are regularly cut. In Rio Grande de Sul, Brazil you can find amethyst stones from large volcanic rocks and is generally big.

North Carolina, USA offers some exquisite blue-violet colored amethysts. Maine, USA used to have amethysts but they aren’t for distribution any more.

Amethyst is thought to have powerful soothing effects on the wearer. It is believed to enhance a person’s ability to learn new ideas faster. It is can help you steady you mind and balance of emotional, mental, and physical states.

Amethyst is regularly known for being the gemstone for those who are the zodiac signs Pisces, Virgo, Aquarius, and Capricorn. It also symbolizes the gemstone for the 17th wedding anniversary.

These gemstones are beautiful and colorful, and for that reason often pretty expensive. Amethyst has been cherished for quite some time, dating back as far as 25,000 years ago.

[tags]february birthstone, amethyst, birthstone[/tags]

Regularly, women are more aware of their birthstone then men, purely because women tend to wear more jewelry with their birthstone it in. Even if you do know what your birthstone is it is still doubtful that you will know that the significance of your stone is.

Aquamarine is also known for being the anniversary gem for the 19th year of marriage. You can find the bulk of this stone in Brazil, Nigeria, and Zambia.

The name aquamarine is made by combining the Latin words water (aqua) and sea (mare). Aquamarine is evidently named for resembling the blue dark seawater. Aquamarine is made up of an array of minerals that crystallize inside the earth’s crust.

Aquamarine can vary in color from a blue-green to a light blue. For a while the stones that contained green were often heat-treated to get rid of the unsightly color. Normally aquamarine gemstones are flawless.

It is said that if you dream of aquamarine that this signifies the making of new friends. Wearing aquamarine brings you adoration and affection. Giving this gem stone offers the gift of knowledge, foresight, and individual inspiration. It also symbolizes youth, fidelity, hope, and wellbeing.

When purchasing this precious gem stone be sure to buy it from a reliable source. This gem can lighten upon prolonged exposure to light.

There are many people who consider that aquamarine can help on the dependence of drugs, as an aid in digestion, and can be used as a remedy for swollen glands. Aquamarine is also thought to release anger and negativity and replacing it with mental peace and clarity. It is widely used as an aid in meditation and to help assist in self-expression.

It is believed that the connection with water led to the thought that aquamarine was particularly powerful if immersed in water.

[tags]aquamarine birthstone, march birthstone, birthstone, aquamarine[/tags]

By far the most precious and desirable of the birthstones, diamonds are created deep within the earth where there is enough intense heat and pressure for carbon to crystallize. Diamonds are the number one choice for engagement rings. The diamond also symbolizes the 10th and 60th years of marriage.

Diamonds are so gorgeous that ancient Greeks thought they were splinters of stars that had fallen to earth. Some even said that there were tears of the Gods. The precise origin of diamonds is a mystery to scientists and geologists.

India is thought of as having the first large source of diamond mining. Ancient Hindus called the diamond Vajra, meaning lightening because of the sparks of light that it emits as well as its incredible strength. By far the most pleasing stone on the globe, it is also known as the hardest substance in the world.

Diamonds are found nowadays in Australia, Botswana, Russia, and South Africa.

For quite some time diamonds have been known for having certain curative properties. In the middle ages gemstones were thought to cure illness if the patient took the diamond in their bed with them.

It is said that Cupid’s arrows were tipped in diamonds so it makes sense that over the years this beautiful stone has gotten a reputation as being the gift of love.

Diamonds used to be reserved for only royalty and others who were allowed their symbolism of might and courage. In 1477 Archduke Maximillian of Austria gave a diamond ring to Mary of Burgundy and set a tradition of diamond engagement rings.

Interestingly enough early Egyptians assumed that the vena amoris also known as the vein of love ran directly from the heart to the third finger on the left hand.

Giving a diamond for any purpose is sure to be appreciated.

Emerald is the birthstone for May and is known for being the 20th and 35th wedding anniversary gemstone. Many think wearing emerald brings you wisdom and growth. This is regularly given as a gift for an anniversary or as a sign of love and devotion.

At one point in time emeralds were prescribed for eye diseases because the exquisite color of green was thought to be very soothing to the eyes. In actuality, early gemstone cutters kept emeralds at their working tables to look at as a way of giving their eyes a rest.

The ancient Egyptians mined emeralds in the eastern region. In more modern times North Carolina is where the new source of quality emeralds can be found. You can find more emeralds in other areas of America, Colombia, Brazil, Zimbabwe, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Madagascar, Nigeria, and Russia.

Egyptians carved emeralds with the signs of spring flora to denote eternal youth and buried the stones with the deceased. The ancient Romans thought emeralds were associated with fertility and renewal.

The Incas worshiped these stunning emeralds. In the 1500’s they were invaded by the Spanish Conquistadors who savagely stole their precious gemstones and even raided the mines. Now many of the world’s greatest emeralds are lost on the floor of the ocean inside Spanish ships.

Emerald is made up of the Greek word smaragdos which means green stone. Emeralds can vary from a deep blue-green to green hues and some have are a yellowish green. If the color is too yellow or blue then it loses its emerald title and becomes a different form of beryl.

The most exquisite emeralds are most commonly found in Colombia. They are known to have a deep grass green coloring with a highlighting of blue. Emeralds are certain to please anyone as a gift.

[tags]emerald, may birthstone, birthstone[/tags]

You may know what your birthstone is but do you know the significance that comes along with it? If you were born in the month of June then your birthstone is Pearl. The ancients thought that Pearl has truth and beauty properties.

It is now known that Greeks actually thought that pearls were the hardened tears of joy that the Love Goddess shook from her eyes as she was born from the sea. Arab legend states that pearls were made when oysters were lured from the depths of the ocean by the moon and then swallowed moonlit dew drops.

Pearl is also generally known as the anniversary gem stone for the 3rd and 30th years of marriage. For centuries pearls have been found on crowns, jewelry, clothing, and temples. They were even known to be a favorite of Cleopatra. They are simple enough to be given to young girls and are a frequent gift for a first communion.

Magnificent pearls come in a variety of colors that range from delicate rose white to black. When it comes to pearls the higher the luster or orients the more expensive it is. It may be hard to envisage that these desirable treasures come naturally from the mollusk.

Deep sea divers seek out natural pearls in The Persian Gulf as well as the waters off Japan, the South Pacific Islands off northern Australia, and the coasts of Panama, Venezuela, and California.

Other than the common round shaped pearls normally seen, there are also large hemispherical cultured pearls known as mabe. These fresh water pearls are elongated in different interesting shapes and colors. The South Sea cultured pearls can grow upwards of 10mm.

There was a time when only those with royal status could sport something as precious as pearl jewelry, but these days they are seen on people from all over the world. Pearls are an ideal gift for anybody of any age.

[tags]june birthstone, pearl, birthstone[/tags]